Our Team

Ayo earned her BSc in Biochemistry from Bowen University, Iwo, and her PhD from the University of Alberta. She has since held various roles in laboratory research and research administration before joining Rebecca's group in 2024. When she's not busy with her two young children, she enjoys relaxing with detective TV shows or trying her hands at gardening. 

Birbickram received his BSc from Khulna University, Bangladesh and PhD in Physiology, Cell, and Developmental Biology from University of Alberta. After graduation he worked as a Scientist in a Biotech Startup for three year.  He came back to academia as a postdoc in the Macdonald Lab at ADI. When Rebecca opened her lab in 2024, he joined her team as a Research Associate. In his spare time he likes to do gardening, go fishing, hiking, and camping. 

Kuni received his BSc and PhD in Kitasato University, Japan. He has carried out research at University of Alberta, University of Toronto, National Institute for Basic Biology, Japan, and University of New Hampshire. He has been manager of the Molecular Biology Core facility since 2008. Kuni joined Rebecca’s research group in 2024. In his spare time, he likes to keep exotic reptiles as pets. He also enjoys gardening and especially growing fruit trees.

Azad received his MSc in Cancer Sciences and PhD in Medicine from the University of Alberta. He specializes in cancer sciences, vascular biology, and molecular biology. He joined the Hull-Meichle Lab on August 2025, to investigate the role of islet endothelial cells and pericytes interactions in maintaining the function of insulin-producing beta cells. Beyond science, he has a deep interest in history, philosophy, literature, and theology. His favorite author is Fyodor Dostoyevsky. 

Laura completed her Industrial Engineering degree at Uninorte University in Colombia and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Modeling, Data, and Predictions at the University of Alberta. In her free time, she loves baking, traveling, and eating delicious food!

After completing her PhD in the UK, Joss moved to Canada and spent most of her career in the field of islet biology and diabetes research. Now retired, she enjoys many hobbies, including fostering kittens, playing pickleball, and house-sitting around the world. In between her various activities she makes time to assist the Hull-Meichle lab on an ad-hoc basis. 

Eamon studied physiology at the University of Guelph, where he received his BSc and MSc, before moving to Edmonton in 2023. He joined the lab in January 2025, and is now working towards his PhD. Beyond his studies he enjoys playing games from his large collection of board games, painting miniature figurines, or building and playing card game decks. Most of all he enjoys hiking and camping with his partner.

Victoria graduated from the University of Alberta with a BSc in Biology and a minor in Spanish. She will begin her graduate studies in Fall 2025. When she isn’t in the lab thinking about pancreases, she loves to travel, hike, and play basketball and soccer. She is Campus Chairperson of the University of Alberta’s Global Brigades Chapter and has set up medical clinics with them in Honduras and Panama. 

Camryn completed her BSc in Biology with a concentration in Anatomy and Physiology at Mount Royal University, where she worked as a research assistant studying myoblast differentiation and myogenesis. She has now transitioned away from muscles into the world of pancreases as a Master's Student at the University of Alberta. Outside the lab, Camryn enjoys being outdoors hiking, rock climbing, and most of all, relaxing around a campfire with friends and family.  

Jenn graduated from the University of Alberta with a BSc specializing in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology in the spring of 2025. She started her graduate studies in the Hull-Meichle lab in the fall of 2025. When she isn’t in the lab doing experiments she enjoys playing soccer, crocheting, baking and spending time with her cat! 

Januki is a third-year undergraduate Honors Physiology student. She joined the Hull-Meichle lab in January 2025 and is currently working on her undergraduate research project. Outside of the lab and academics, she enjoys dancing, baking, traveling, playing with her cat, and spending time with her friends.

Sean is a third-year science undergraduate at the University of Alberta. He joined the lab in Winter 2025, and it has been an incredible experience for him. He loves the outdoors, cooking, and staying active. Sean takes great pride in taking risks and always trying something new.

Alycia was part of the lab during the final year of her Bachelor of Science degree, from September 2024 to April 2025. She will begin her graduate studies at the University of Manitoba in Fall 2025.